NAHJ – One Year In PhotosNAHJ – Un Año En Fotos

Just recently a group of Hispanic journalists in Las Vegas got together to form a local National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) chapter. To say it was long overdo is an understatement. For several years Las Vegas boasted the fastest growing Hispanic population in the nation and with the Nevada Hispanic electorate making national news headlines and by all means defining recent national elections it only makes sense that we finally started this organization.

I myself am a recipient of an NAHJ scholarship for my journalism studies at the University of Texas at El Paso and was an NAHJ member for many years. I attended the conventions and gained great knowledge and inspiration.

Although I am no longer a journalist, the support from NAHJ provided me with many resources, gave me motivation, and provided me with wonderful mentors I still admire and get advice from today. Now that I am a “grown-up” I feel it is my duty to return the favor, which is why I am so happy to be part of our local NAHJ chapter and help organize our fundraiser tomorrow. The funds raised will go towards paying a stipend for a Hispanic journalism intern at the Las Vegas Review-Journal over the summer.

I strongly believe that all English-language media in Las Vegas needs to be more diverse and at least mirror the demographic they serve both in front of and behind the camera. I am happy that the LVRJ is willing to be part of our efforts and hope other media outlets follow suit.

Besides my moral obligation to give back I am also excited about our fundraising event, because it will be AWESOME! Tomorrow we will be hosting our One Year In Photos Auction at the Amanda Harris Gallery at Soho Lofts downtown. Amanda Harris, the gallery owner, was nice enough to donate the space because she supports our efforts and she is an all-around cool girl.

Three media outlets, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Las Vegas Sun and the AP have donated their journalism photos from 2012 for us to auction off. These photos summarize the year, from UNLV football, the elections and the flood of 2012 (proof that we get rain here) among others. These beautiful photos were printed on canvas and framed and look beautiful. Claudio Ferreiro of Photo Vegas donated the prints and framing at a very reduced rate. In addition, local artist Priscilla Daniels donated beautiful Dia De Los Muertos art and masks.

I am so proud that the photos and art capture the very essence of NAHJ, Hispanic and journalism themed.

Don’t like art or photography? We will have music, drinks, and appetizers. Now who doesn’t like food and a bit of vino?

Not blown away yet? NAHJ President Hugo Balta, will be flying in from New York for our event and will bring United Airline tickets for two to anywhere in the world to raffle off.

Feel free to take me with if you win, I make a great travel buddy!

This event is also being sponsored by NVEnergy, which stepped up to the plate with no hesitation and helped us cover most of our costs.

We have seriously been overwhelmed by the graciousness of our community. Everyone seems to want to help us and I know with time we will grow and become a strong organization with authority to influence positive changes in media coverage.